Featured Glad It's Back

Probably not since most, if not all, of us have a smidgen. You, possibly, more than most

Edit: Sorry, Norfolk, just noticed.

 

It’s a compliment to some in here

 

Like you I posted in support of Dozers Dad, pointing out all the good stuff he has been involved with in this place, I do believe there has been a witch hunt & sadly Jez played into their hands & is now banned. I think the forum has changed, you are correct @Callumity it is Rob’s forum, and anytime he likes he can tuck the bat & ball under his arm & strut off into the sunset. What saddens me is that so many are just so grateful that Rob let them back out to play that they are willing to forget a former friend. I have not agreed with all of what Jez has said at times, and I’ve let him know that, but have still respect for his view. I am not sure that I can be bothered to deal with the bullshit any more, so will withdraw a while & consider at my leisure.

 

Well that is EXACTLY where I am coming from. Your values/principles are the ones you are prepared to defend. The world is full of ‘I am right behind you’ but, in reality, is full of chicken hearts - look at how Lockdown has been accepted on the flimsiest of evidence (a fantastic projection is not evidence!) - but I am disappointed with how this has been handled and accepted.

Jez is more arse than a 1%er - and you don’t need to break a butterfly on the wheel for those who remember the Stones getting arrested. If the charge sticks the conviction would get support but this?

 

Thank you

 

Been on this forum for a few years and enjoyed the banter and range of opinions across a range of subjects and laughed at most;
But for a few months now it has become different, hard to put your finger on, and subjects have become darker and more opinionated.

When someone is or feels threatened that is an entirely different matter.
Don't know or need to know what took place but can we make this great forum somehwere we can all have a laugh, moan, or whatever again in a light hearted way coz I miss that most.

 

my colleagues and I have observed it at work too.

 

I suppose it depends on what may appear to be implied by the assertion. There's a difference between saying, "The amount of immigration around here is a problem" and "Immigration is creating divisions and we need to find ways that ensure everyone feels included."

It may be unfair to be labelled as a passive racist for an opinion but everyone posting has to think about what they post, how their posts come across to others, and take responsibility for it.

 

Yes, it's subjective. That doesn't absolve anyone's responsibilty. It's social interaction and people should learn how to do it if they're going out in public.

 

I've agree twice to that one if I could.

 

Try it on your missus and let us know how that goes.

 

I can't put my finger on it, but over the last few weeks, disappointing aspects of this forum have been revealed. While I don't shy away from controversy and have experienced verbal and written confrontations, due to my counter-culture worldview, I try not to enter debates where my comments would not result in a positive outcome. I am batting for something larger, even though I miss the pitch more often than not. Groups like this forum are held together by community and a shared loyalty to one another. That essence is not owned or controlled by any one person. Anyone who tries, ends up with a stale "managed game".

The freedom to speak about uncomfortable topics is fundamentally linked to a responsibility to the community. This fact is largely missed or ignored by those who would legislate a good neighborhood. Their efforts work in the opposite direction. The strength of the group is not in rules, but in culture and the active caring of one to another.

"And if your brother sins against you, go reprove him, between you and him alone. If he will hear you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that "every word may be strengthened upon the testimony of two or three witnesses." And if he fails to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he fails to listen to even to the church, let him be to you as the pagan and the tax collector." Matt 18:15-17

 

We are a less scriptural society than yours but the Biblical quote is wholly apposite. It’s where the current mess started and promptly derailed.

 

I've only met Jez once and didn't really chat to him on that occasion. I've heard very decent, positive things about him from others who know him much better than I do, which I accept as fact. I also have no problem with him holding opinions that may be diametrically opposed to mine. Where it went wrong is how those opinions were expressed, and the blanket, insulting way he dealt with others who hold a different view. Maintaining the power of one's own convictions is perfectly reasonable. Using that power to belittle others is not.

Showing respect for others is not automatically kowtowing to the PC/woke crowd. Anyone demonstrating that respect should be welcome here, regardless of their viewpoint (within reason, obviously) and should have no reason to feel censored. Including Jez.

 

Couldn't agree more. Except the religious bit, but that's another debate.

 

Which bit do you disagree with, @Ron Ashurst ?

 

I would guess Ron expects a slightly more robust form of debate with more give and take. We’re not a knitting circle.

 

The first sentence or the second one?

 

@Octoberon said
Where it went wrong is how those opinions were expressed, and the blanket, insulting way he dealt with others who hold a different view. Maintaining the power of one's own convictions is perfectly reasonable. Using that power to belittle others is not.

@Ron Ashurst replied

That

IMHO Octoberon is spot on with that statement couldnt be more so,
But dont reckon Ron's in any kind of agreement with anything at the moment

PS - Apologies I did say I would not be drawn back into this thread but hard to ignore a blank refusal by folk not to accept things as is, even though they will never change things.